Buffalo Demolition Company Can't Take Garbage | News

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BUFFALO, NY - Battaglia Demolition in Buffalo may be forced out of business, that's according to the owner.

The Buffalo Planning Board recommended that the Buffalo Common Council only allow Battaglia Demolition be permitted to handle recyclable and construction and debris materials.

The Buffalo Common Council's Legislation committee denied Peter Battaglia's application which also called for a transfer station and crush concrete.

Battaglia claims he is being "bullied" by City Hall. He says several years ago the city changed its transfer license requirements. Since 1998, Battaglia says he has been handling recyclable materials, construction and debris, crushing concrete and solid waste and now he says based on the city law, he is in violation. However, in 2006, the owner filed an application for a permit to continue to do the same work.

Six years later, the city finally acted on the application. The full council is expected to vote to deny Battaglia's ability to accept solid waste and crush concrete.

Buffalo Council President Rich Fontana (D-Lovejoy) told 2 On Your Side, "we're just saying C&D (construction and debris) is allowed continue, recycling is allowed, but get rid of the concrete and don't bring in garbage, that's the message from the common council."

Battaglia told us, "the City of Buffalo is not business-friendly. It's very difficult to do business in the city. The phrase, 'you have to fight City Hall to do business,' it's true."